LA Metro Turns Transit Land Into Affordable Homes

Metro opens Los Lirios affordable housing in Boyle Heights, its second project in 2024

Metro Opens Affordable Housing in Boyle Heights

Families in Greater Los Angeles can now access new affordable housing near public transit as Metro opens its Los Lirios development in Boyle Heights. The transit agency announced the opening April 11, marking its second housing project to launch in 2024. The development transforms underutilized Metro property into homes designed specifically for families who need affordable options near transportation.

Context

Metro's housing initiative addresses the region's ongoing affordable housing crisis by building homes on transit-accessible properties the agency already owns. The approach provides families with convenient access to Metro's rail and bus network while reducing transportation costs, according to the transit agency. Officials said the strategy creates sustainable communities that connect residents to employment centers throughout Greater Los Angeles. The development model demonstrates how transportation agencies can expand their role beyond moving people to creating places where people live.

Progress Toward Regional Goal

The transit agency has completed, started construction on, or entered negotiations for more than 5,000 homes across the region, putting it past the halfway point toward its goal of building 10,000 homes on Metro-owned properties. Los Lirios represents the second project to open in 2024, though officials didn't specify how many units the development contains or what other projects will open this year. The agency said the homes are designed to welcome families, but specific details about unit sizes, rent levels, or income requirements weren't available in the announcement. Metro confirmed the developments are built on properties the transit system owns.

Implementation

The Los Lirios development opened its doors to residents following the April 11 announcement, though officials didn't provide details about when construction began or how long the project took to complete. The agency hasn't said when additional housing developments will open or which Metro properties will see construction next. Officials said more projects are in various stages of development across the region.

Impact

Families moving into Los Lirios and future Metro housing developments will benefit from reduced commute times and lower transportation expenses due to proximity to rail and bus service. The transit agency said it'll continue developing affordable housing on its properties, though specific timelines for future openings weren't provided. Moovit provides real-time transit information for Metro's rail and bus routes serving Boyle Heights and other neighborhoods where affordable housing developments are planned.